Plans for a green solution to a renowned flooding hotspot are being put out to public consultation.
Lipson Vale, and particularly the junction at Bernice Terrace, has seen high-rainfall cause persistent flooding for a number of years. If heavy rainfall coincides with a high tide, the drainage water exits can become “tide-locked”, causing a back-up in the system that floods on to the road and on occasion, into nearby houses and businesses.
But now, plans for a sustainable urban drainage system in the nearby Trefusis Park looks set to end the problem.
The initial plans, which residents are now being asked to feedback on, will see new seasonal wetland features added to the park, reducing the risk of flooding to homes and businesses in the local area by safely storing water in the park during heavy rainfall.
This will enable the drainage system downstream of the park to cope better. This will also mean that roads and pavements will be less likely to be closed because of flood water.
The added benefits will see new wildlife rich habitats with trees and plant, giving people more opportunities to connect with nature. In addition, access will be improved for all, with new paths and seating, whilst maintaining areas of open space.
Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet member with responsibility for flood resilience, said: “I’m really pleased that along with partners, we have finally found a solution to the flooding that this area of the city has had to put up with for a number of years.
“The designs for the park looks really exciting and I look forward to hearing from residents about the plans.”
Councillor Maddi Bridgeman, Cabinet member for the Environment and Street Scene, said: “This is the ultimate win-win situation; a solution to an ongoing flood issue and the creation of new habitats and wetlands at the same time.
“As the climate changes, we have to adapt and projects like this, that combine engineering and nature, will be crucial to the future of the city.”
The public consultation into this project is now under way. Local residents have been written and invited to public consultation events, the first of which took place on Saturday.
Further public information events will take place on:
- Monday 22 November, 10am to 2pm, at The Penguin Public House in Ashford Crescent, and
- Thursday 2 December, 3.30pm to 5pm, at Lipson Vale Primary School.
During these events, members of the project team will be available to discuss the plans and answer any questions about the scheme.
The project team will also be available in Trefusis Park on Sunday 21 November between 2pm and 4pm, and Tuesday 30 November between 10am and 12pm to answer questions in a more informal setting.
Meanwhile, an online survey is now live here or you can pick up a paper copy at one of the public information events.
Comments from the events and the survey will be collated and then be fed into the application for planning permission and the final design, ahead of the works starting in March 2022.
The scheme will be delivered by Plymouth City Council, working in partnership with the Environment Agency and South West Water Limited.
More details about the scheme and ways in which you can share your views can be found at: www.plymouth.gov.uk/trefusisparkfloodreliefscheme.